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, the popular low comedian, is the son of the late Mr. Barnabas Brough, once well known as a dramatic author, writing under the nom de plume of 'Barnard de Burgh.'

Mr. Lionel Brough is a native of the Principality, having been born at Pontypool, in Monmouthshire, on March 10th, 1836. He is the brother of the late Robert and William Brough, known to all playgoers as the 'Brothers Brough,' and also of the late Mr. John C. Brough, author of works on scientific subjects, and the librarian to the London Institution.

Mr. Lionel Brough has taken to the stage; for, like many leading actors, he was not bred to the profession, but began life as clerk to Mr. John Timbs, editor of the 'Illustrated London News.' at the time when Douglas Jerrold, Albert Smith, John Leech, Charles Dickens, and W. M. Thackeray were in their prime; he was afterwards assistant publisher of the 'Daily Telegraph' for the first seven months of its existence.

He made his first appearance on the London stage at the Lyceum, under the celebrated management of Madame Vestris and Charles Mathews. The piece was an extravaganza entitled 'Prince Prettypet,' produced in December 1854. Madame Vestris died, and Mr. Mathews retired from the management of the Lyceum.

In 1858, Mr. Brough was again at the Lyceum under Mr. E. Falconer's management. He then deserted the stage, and was for five years on the 'Morning Star.' He next gave entertainments—'Cinderella,' 'Der Freischutz,' &c.—at the Polytechnic, afterwards travelling in the provinces with a 'Ghost' performance, which he produced 'by command' at Windsor. Mr. Brough played before the Queen and the late Prince Consort, with the members of the Savage Club, for the Lancashire Belief Fund, and also visited Liverpool and Manchester for the same object.

He next joined Mr. Henderson at the Prince of Wales's Theatre,